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Curriculum
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- Key Stage 3
- Key Stage 4
- Key Stage 5
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Introduction
Welcome to the IT department at St Alban’s
Over the past two years we have redeveloped the ICT curriculum to incorporate the new Computer Science curriculum set out in the Donaldson report. Through this we have redesigned core aspects of the old ICT curriculum as well as introducing new and exciting modules for pupils to explore different aspects Computer Science. This new curriculum gives students an insight into how computational thinking and creativity can be used to understand and change the world.
Key Stage 3
In key stage 3 pupils are taught how to use a variety of office applications as well as the basics of Computer Science. The topics that are studied in each year group are shown below:
Year 7:
- E-Safety
- Programming with the BBC Microbit
- Introduction to computing
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
- Programming with Microsoft Kodu
Year 8:
- Website design
- E-safety
- Animation
- Databases
- Spreadsheets
- Networks
- Programming in Small Basic
Year 9:
- E-safety
- Cryptography
- Binary
- Computer logic
- Programming in Python
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
Key Stage 4
In year 10 pupils have the option to choose GCSE Computer Science or GCSE ICT. Both courses are awarded by WJEC. These build on skills learned in Key Stage 3.
The WJEC GCSE in ICT comprises four units:
- Unit 1: Understanding ICT – this is a theory unit which assesses the requirements of the Key Stage 4 Programme of Study for Information and Communication Technology and the functional elements of ICT in a home and school context.
- Unit 2: Solving Problems with ICT – this is a controlled assessment unit which consists of a portfolio of work which shows pupils’ attainment in obtaining and interpreting different types of information; using, developing and communicating information to meet the purpose of their studies and presenting the results of their work. This assignment will assess the practical aspects of the functional elements of ICT.
- Unit 3: ICT in Organisations – this is a theory unit which assess the ‘application’ content of ICT in a business and industry context.
- Unit 4: Developing Multimedia ICT Solutions – this is a controlled assessment unit which gives pupils the opportunity to develop a piece of work using multimedia software following a single task brief issued by WJEC.
The WJEC GCSE in Computer Science comprises three units:
- Unit 1: Understanding Computer Science – this is a theory unit where pupils will investigate hardware, logical operations, communication, data representation and data types, operating systems, principles of programming, software engineering, program construction, security and data management and the impacts of digital technology on wider society.
- Unit 2: Computational Thinking and Programming – this is a practical unit where pupils will investigate problem solving, algorithms and programming constructs, programming languages, data structures and data types and security and authentication.
- Unit 3: Software Development – this is a controlled assessment unit which requires pupils to produce a programmed solution to a problem. They must analyse the problem, design a solution to the problem, develop a final programmed solution, test the solution and give suggestions for further development of the solution. Throughout the production of the solution pupils are required to produce a refinement log that evidences the development of the solution.
Key Stage 5
In sixth form we offer two A level paths. These are WJEC Applied ICT and WJEC Computer Science. Both of these options allow for progression into the ICT industry or University.
The A Level Computer Science option is made up of 5 units as detailed below:
| AS | A2 | ||
| Unit 1 and 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
| · Hardware and communication
· Logical operations · Data transmission · Data representation and data types · Data structures · Organisation of data · Database systems · The operating system · Algorithms and programs · Principles of programming · Systems analysis · Software engineering · The need for different types of software systems and their attributes · Practical programming · Data security and integrity processes · Economic, moral, legal, ethical and cultural issues relating to computer science |
· Data structures
· Logical operations · Algorithms and programs · Principles of programming · Systems analysis · System design · Software engineering · Program construction · Economic, moral, legal, ethical and cultural issues relating to computer science
|
· Hardware and communication
· Data transmission · Data representation and data types · Organisation and structure of data · Databases and distributed systems · The operating system · The need for different types of software systems and their attributes · Data security and integrity processes |
This unit requires the learners to investigate, design, prototype, implement, test and evaluate a computer solution to a substantial problem of their own choice. |
The A Level in Applied ICT is made up of four units as detailed below:
| eBusiness | eSkills | eProject | eStudio |
| · Information and organisations
· How organisations collect information · How organisations use information · How information flows around a business · Big data · Communication within a business · Networks · The internet · Working styles · ICT skills · Standard ways of working · Cyber security |
· Analysing requirements
· Database design · Creating and testing a database · Spreadsheet design · Creating and testing a spreadsheet · Creating user documentation · Evaluation · E-portfolio |
· Project proposals
· Project planning · Stakeholders · Analysis of problem · Project definition · Project organisation · Development of project · Review · E-portfolio · Standard ways of working |
· How business promote their products
· Audience · Purpose · Methods of promotion · Requirements specification · Graphic products · Multimedia products · Review · E-portfolio
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